On the Radar: Discord vs. Stoat, ‘Firearm Influencers’ and ‘Cooked’

Discord Users Switch to Stoat to Avoid Age Verification

What? Discord is an online forum/chat app favored by video game players to discuss the games they love. Unfortunately, the platform is also known for hosting “adult” sexual content and other inappropriate topics.

So What? Discord has announced plans to roll out age verification next month, using video selfies or photo IDs, in order to better protect teen users by automatically filtering out such content. But many users, furious over the privacy concerns of using ID photos, have decided to switch to Stoat, a Discord competitor.

Now What? Switching to Stoat create as many issues as it solves. Your teen gamer might protect his or her privacy but at the risk of being exposed to inappropriate and mentally damaging content. Talk to your teen about the pros and cons, helping them to discern what the best course of action is to protect them online.

New Report Says 9-Year-Olds Exposed to Firearm Content via YouTube

What? A study conducted by Children and Screens found that firearm-related videos were pushed to a test account posing as a 9-year-old boy 382 times in just one month—and more than 1,300 times to an account posing as a 14-year-old.

So What? The report aims to help parents navigate firearm content in a way that aligns with their family’s values and reduce the risks that stem from inaccurate content. It also aims to shape policies that will protect kids from seeing potentially dangerous content online.

Now What? Regardless of what you think about guns, learning that your 9-year-old might be watching videos about firearms can feel startling. Make sure your kids know what your family’s values are. They should also understand that real weapons —even the ones influencers showcase online—are not toys, and they have the potential to cause real harm.

Getting Cooked Has Nothing to do with Food

What? According to KnowYourMeme.com, the slang term “cooked” or “getting cooked” is typically used in a mocking or self-deprecatory manner to describe when something bad is happening or about to happen. 

So What? Parents should also be aware that the term can sometimes refer to getting high on marijuana.

Now What? You’ll frequently hear video game lovers using “cooked” if they’re about to lose a game or battle. Even younger kids will use the term to describe when they’re about to be in trouble. Just make sure that if you hear the word, your kids are talking about games, not drugs.